MBTA keeps infrastructure improvements on track

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is using its increase in capital spending on system-wide upgrades and repairs. Following a 40-percent increase from last year, MBTA says it's kicking its infrastructure improvements into high gear.

Poftak visited the site of the Beverly Drawbridge Replacement Project, which is on schedule and nearing completion. Work to replace the replace the Beverly Drawbridge is about to finish on schedule with weekday train service resuming on August 14. A 28-day shutdown of all Newburyport/Rockport Line service north of Salem was required in order to replace the swing-span bridge in Beverly and conduct follow-up alignment and testing work, which will result in more reliable Newburyport/Rockport Line service. Due to this service shutdown, the MBTA began accommodating its customers on July 17 with replacement shuttle bus service to all stations with regular weekday train service resuming as planned.

Poftak also visited sites of federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) work currently taking place on weekends along the Newburyport/Rockport Line. This work has replaced weekend Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail service with shuttle buses beginning July 8 through September 30 and will begin replacing all Lowell Commuter Rail Line service along the entire line beginning August 5 through October 1.

Finally, Poftak visited sites along the Orange Line, where track work will be taking place.MBTA says that necessary track maintenance will take place along the northern section of the Orange Line.